Each frame would probably take minutes to render, and the game would be unplayable

Yeah, but SE could render like this (if this level of detail is possible in a PC) when you wanted to take a screenshot. It wouldn't matter how much time would be needed for each frame, since you only want to render one

Yeah, but SE could render like this (if this level of detail is possible in a PC)

The rendering techniques, types of effects, and generation methods used to create that shot are all very dissimilar to SpaceEngine, and for the most part far more complex. So while some programs could render like this (like Maya, which was used in Avatar), simulation software like SE couldn't generate scenes like this, and I wouldn't expect that to change for perhaps a decade.

The rendering techniques, types of effects, and generation methods used to create that shot are all very dissimilar to SpaceEngine, and for the most part far more complex. So while some programs could render like this (like Maya, which was used in Avatar), simulation software like SE couldn't generate scenes like this, and I wouldn't expect that to change for perhaps a decade.

I don't see a problem. In SE, terrestrial planets from a distance look very similar to Avatar's shot. The gas giant is just Jupiter colored to blue. If I take such details of Jupiter's texture, I will put it in the next version. Other moons are just Io, Ganymede and Europa. This is clearly seen in the scene where Jake fights with wolves in the forest at night. Just take a screenshot from the film and compare it with Jupiter's moons photos.

I don't see a problem. In SE, terrestrial planets from distance looks very similar to Avatar's shot.

What I meant is that you couldn't render a scene to look exactly like that in SE. But, as you just showed, you can get a very good approximation. But procedural generation techniques on home PCs necessarily yield different results than what a dedicated 3D artist using professional modeling, rendering and animation software with the power of a production house render farm can produce. Given the level of detail versus the processing power required though, SpaceEngine is far more efficient I've always thought that SpaceEngine looks great, and I continue to be impressed with it every time I run the program. As soon as you start taking donations I'll be the first in line to throw some money in. I believe very strongly in the future growth and development of this masterpiece.

Personally, I can't wait to see the real thing from my spaceship in 100 years time. Yes, lifespans are going to increase. See you in the next galaxy peoples! I want to have a friend like Talyn's avatar...the purple girl. She's scary, but I think she'd be interesting...

I have to warn you that I am quite sensitive when someone talks about my girlfriend...

Just kidding Have you ever played Mass Effect? She is an Assari and the race has is in fact only one gender, but very similar to a human female One of the most powerfull races in the Mass Effect Universe

All we need now is some way to preserve the planet's generated detail at a bigger distance, more ''patchy'' clouds, get the terrain to be fully covered in green plant life and voila - the perfect Pandora!